8-Hour Safari Blue Tour in Menai Bay with Kwale Island BBQ

8 Hours Round trip from Your hotel lobby in Zanzibar - Stone Town Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Sail through Menai Bay on a traditional dhow with a relaxed, tide-timed route
02 Swim at a white sandbank or hidden lagoon in crystal-clear ocean water
03 Snorkel two reef sites with chances to see Nemo fish, turtles, and octopus
04 Explore a mangrove lagoon and visit a 500-year-old baobab tree
05 Enjoy a seafood BBQ lunch on Kwale Island with time to relax on the beach

Set off on a full-day Safari Blue adventure in the protected waters of Menai Bay, designed with relaxed pacing and tide-timed stops for the best possible experience. After hotel pickup, board a shaded traditional dhow in Fumba and sail out to a sparkling sandbank or a hidden lagoon, depending on the day's conditions. Snorkel at two reef spots suited to different depths, then continue to a mangrove lagoon and Kwale Island for a freshly prepared seafood BBQ lunch, with a vegetarian option available on request. With a maximum of 10 people and a knowledgeable local crew, you'll enjoy a more personal day on the water, complete with scenic sailing, island relaxation, and the chance to spot dolphins.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Zanzibar, Paje

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Safari Blue Adventure in Menai Bay and Kwale Island

Safari Blue is an 8-hour full-day adventure in Menai Bay.

This is my family route - 8 hours with no rushing and perfect tide timing.

8:00 AM - Pickup and drive to Fumba:
I pick you up in an AC car. I check the morning tide, as the sandbank needs low tide.

8:30 AM - Fumba Village and board the dhow:
Meet a captain with 15 years of experience in Menai Bay. The dhow has shade, life jackets, and a ladder. Snorkeling gear, water, and fruits are included. The marine fee of $10 is included. Maximum 10 people only.

9:00 AM - Sail to Sandbank Paradise:
Visit a white sandbank in the middle of the ocean - waist-deep for 300 m, with crystal-clear water. Swim and see blue starfish. It is the best drone spot, with no one around. At high tide, we go to a hidden lagoon instead.

Snorkeling at the reef (1 hour):
There are 2 spots: shallow 2-3 m water for Nemo fish, and deeper 5-8 m water for turtles. I swim with you and show you octopus. I also take free underwater photos. No touching coral - this is a reserve rule.

11:00 AM - Mangrove lagoon and 500-year-old baobab (30 min):
Visit a natural lagoon inside the mangroves. See the old baobab tree and make a wish. Swim in calm green water. There is also a small viewpoint climb.

Sail to Kwale Island (30 min sailing):
Enjoy a slow sail, see fishermen, and maybe dolphins - about a 20% chance.

Kwale Island seafood BBQ lunch:
My cousins cook lobster, fish, calamari, octopus, Swahili rice, chapati, salad, tropical fruits, water, and soda. A vegetarian option is available - please tell me in advance. Toilets are available. You can also climb the hill for a Menai Bay panorama.

2:30 PM - Relax and beach time (1 hour):
Swim, relax on Kwale beach, or snorkel near the island. This is my favorite time - quiet after the lunch boats leave.

3:00 PM - Sailing back to Fumba (1 hour):
If the wind is good, we use the open sail with no engine - peaceful.

Drive back to hotel (30 min):
Arrive in Stone Town or at your hotel by 4:00 PM. Total 8 hours door to door.

Tips: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off by AC car, plus a dhow boat with captain.
Marine park fee of $10, snorkeling gear, and life jackets.
Seafood BBQ lunch on Kwale with lobster, fish, and calamari, plus water, soda, and fruits.
Sandbank, mangrove lagoon, and baobab tree visit, plus free underwater photos.
Local guide in the water, dry bag for phone, fuel, and taxes.